New Plymouth, Sunday 15th My dear McLean, You will be glad to hear that the Coach got through safe and without interruption on Thursday night. I could not resist giving myself the satisfaction of coming by her first trip. There was a tremendous storm of rain on the West Coast for two days and nights before we left Wanganui, so that the road was very much worse than it should have been, and we were detained several hours by flooded rivers; but we got through only three hours behind time. Of course New Plymouth went mad with joy and all the Settlement turned out to greet us. Politically it will do us more good here than if we had caught Te Kooti and Titikowaru both put together. The Coach returned to Wanganui next morning and I am expecting it back today and shall return by it to Wangu. on Tuesday. Yesterday I went to Waitara with Parris, Carrington and Halse. Fortunately, while there, Wm. King Rangitaki's daughter arrived, first time since the war broke out in 1860, and I sent civil messages and a few presents to the old man. His brother Enoka was with her. She says she will come often now she has broken the ice. When asked why King did not return she said "where can we live, you have taken our lands". It will however likely lead to his return, if she comes down frequently. Three of Titiko's canoes also arrived while I was there, bringing presents for Ihaia's people, but had not come nearer than 6 miles from the Town. I had a korero with Ihaia and Teira. They are very desirous of seeing Waitara progress the bridge erected, which will soon be tendered for, and much of the material is on the ground. Parris reports most favorably of the Natives feeling everywhere in the District. As soon as the Maori Elections are over I think he will accept Ngatimaniopoto invitation to Mokau of which you already know. Tomorrow (Monday) is Nomination day for Grey and Bell. The contest is between Carrington and Brown, Richmond's friends having withdrawn his. Both are confident. Polling day on Tuesday. Carthew has retired in Gisborne's favour. Kelly will take the Town, though if Carrington is beaten by Brown he may contest the Town afterwards. Sunday Evg. The Coach has just arrived on her 2nd up trip, all well. The Rangatira is in from Welln. but no news. I have telegrams from Mole and Ormond to 12th. Haultain is here about Flax and will go on to Auckland by Rangatira. The journey overland has opened his eyes, and taught him the value of our West Coast. It certainly is the best country in New Zealand, three times over - taking it from Otaki to White Cliffs. The country about Warea and Opunake is all Flax of the best quality. Hulke is trying experiments in growing and has got all the varieties known.